My Sister Called to Say Mom Had Died—While Mom Was Standing Right Beside Me

who believed in open caskets, three-day viewings, and church ladies singing hymns over a real body. She had recurring nightmares about fire. There was no version of reality where she’d request cremation.

I tapped the speaker icon and turned the volume up. Mama finished her tai chi, toweled off her face, and started walking toward me. I raised a hand continue reading …